Administration Of Cinnamon Research Articles

Effects of the Aquatic Extract of Cinnamon Zeylanicum on STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats: A Molecular and Histopathological Study

Background: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus has increased over the past few decades, making it a significant public health challenge of the twenty-first century. Cinnamon, as a traditional medicine, has been used in several regions of the world for its anti-diabetic properties. Objectives: The current study was conducted to determine the effect of Cinnamon Zeylanicum extract on blood glucose levels, oxidative stress markers, and antioxidant enzyme gene expression in diabetic rats. Methods: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups, each containing 10 rats. A single dose of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg, IP) was used to induce diabetes. In this investigation, 40 mg/kg body weight of cinnamon extract was administered orally. After eight weeks, the levels of glucose, malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were determined using biochemical methods. Additionally, the expression levels of catalase and glutathione reductase in the rat liver homogenate were evaluated using real-time PCR. The effect of cinnamon extract on histopathological changes in the rats' liver was also investigated. Results: The findings indicated that the administration of cinnamon extract resulted in a considerable reduction in blood glucose (210 ± 29.9 vs. 449 ± 48.4 mg/dL; P < 0.001) and liver MDA levels (2.01 ± 0.35 vs. 3.05 ± 0.47; P < 0.001) in diabetic rats after eight weeks. However, this extract had no significant effect on GSH levels (4.71 ± 0.25 vs. 4.75 ± 0.42; P = 0.79) in diabetic rats compared to diabetic control rats. The mRNA expression of catalase and glutathione reductase genes in the liver of diabetic control rats (0.73 ± 0.23 and 0.90 ± 0.18, respectively) was significantly lower than that of the healthy control group (1.33 ± 0.37 and 1.46 ± 0.54, respectively) (P = 0.001, P = 0.012). Administration of cinnamon extract increased the expression levels of these antioxidant enzyme genes, but these changes were statistically not significant (P = 0.72 and P = 0.48, respectively). Furthermore, the creation of hyperglycemia led to slight hypertrophic degeneration and lymphocyte infiltration in hepatocytes. Notably, the administration of cinnamon extract was unable to reverse these abnormalities. Conclusions: The findings of our study support cinnamon's anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties in diabetic rats. However, the histological abnormalities in the diabetic rats' livers could not be altered by the administration of cinnamon.

Antidepressant-Like Effects of Cinnamomum verum on Open-Space Forced Swim-Induced Depression in Mice.

Depression is a mental disorder characterized by depressive episodes, such as low mood, low self-esteem, feeling of guilt, and poor concentration. Depression has a high comorbidity with cognitive impairments. Studies have shown that cinnamon has anti-inflammatory antiviral, antihypertensive, antioxidant and anti-diabetic potentials. Therefore, the aim of the research was to assess the antidepressant effect of cinnamon on open-space forced swim-induced depression in mice. Twenty-five (25) Swiss albino mice were grouped into five groups (n=5). Group I: control (negative control) exposed to open-space forced swim test (OSFST) without any treatment, Groups II, III and IV received graded doses of Cinnamon 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg, group 5 (positive control) received fluoxetine 20 mg/kg orally. The animals were subjected to OSFST, Open Field Test (Line Crossing) and Novel Object Recognition Test (NORT). Administration of cinnamon showed decreased immobility time (behavioural despair) in OSFST compared to control and fluoxetine groups (p < 0.05). However, no statistically significant effect was observed in line crossing (locomotor activity) and the discrimination ratio of NORT (non-spatial short-term memory) between cinnamon administered groups and the control group. In conclusion, cinnamon has shown antidepressant-like effect in open-space forced swim-induced depression in mice. Keywords: Cinnamon, Depression, Cognitive impairment, Immobility time, Behavioural despair.

Cinnamon modulates the pharmacodynamic & pharmacokinetic of amlodipine in hypertensive rats

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of cinnamon on the pharmacodynamic (PD) & pharmacokinetic (PK) of amlodipine in hypertensive rats. The hypertensive control group of Wistar rats received L-NAME (40 mg/kg, daily, orally) only. The cinnamon group of rats was treated with cinnamon (200 mg/kg, daily, orally) along with L-NAME. Following 14 days treatment period, blood pressures of rats were monitored at designated intervals over 24 h utilizing a tail-cuff system for measuring blood pressure. To assess the oral PK; amlodipine was administered as a single oral dose of 1 mg/kg to rats and blood samples were collected at specified intervals over 24 h and analysed by UPLC-LC MS/MS.Synergistic decreased in rat’s blood pressure was observed in presence of cinnamon + amlodipine. Simultaneous administration of cinnamon ameliorates the Cmax and AUC0-t of amlodipine, the Cmax and AUC0-t was 11.04 ± 1.01 ng/ml and 113.76 ± 5.62 ng h/ml for the cinnamon + amlodipine group as compared to 4.12 ± 0.49 ng/ml and 48.59 ± 4.28 ng h/ml for the amlodipine alone group. The study demonstrates that the use of cinnamon considerably decreases the blood pressure levels and enhances the PK parameters of amlodipine in hypertensive rats.

The Application of Cinnamon Compresses To Reduce Pain Scale In Older Age With Gout Arthritis: Case Study

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The main complaint of patients with Gout Arthritis is pain problems. Bat to treat joint pain problems in the elderly with Gout Arthritis in total still does not exist, but there are many treatment options to relieve symptoms can be done. Giving warm compresses using cinnamon spices (cinnamomun burmani) containing eugenol and cinamaldehid can reduce the sensitivity of the nociceptor, so as to relieve pain symptoms. This study aimed to analyze the administration of cinnamon compresses in the elderly with Gout Arthritis with chronic pain nursing problems.Methods: This research uses a descriptive method with a case study approach. Samples used by 2 elderly people with Gout Arthritis using the format of family nursing care assessment, and pain scale assessment. The application of cinnamon compress is done for 4x a week using cinnamon liquid as much as 2 ml, with 200 cc of water, at a temperature of 40-450C, followed by compress for 15-20 minutes using a washlap. Data was analyzed using descriptive analysisResults: After applying cinnamon compresses four times a week, the study showed a decrease in pain intensity before and after the intervention was given to the two subjects. The subject's pain intensity decreased from moderate pain intensity to mild pain.Conclusion: The application of cinnamon compresses is effective in reducing the intensity of Gout Arthritis pain.Keywords: Cinnamon; Compress; Gout Arthritis; Painful

Ameliorating effects of cinnamon and curcumin on oxidative stress in lithium-pilocarpine induced status epilepticus model

The lithium-pilocarpine (Li-Pc) model of status epilepticus (SE) is most convenient and is frequently used for pathophysiological and management strategies in search of new, safe and effective therapeutic agents including the natural remedies for SE. Oral administration of cinnamon (CIN) and curcumin (CUR) can reduce neuroinflammation which is a common feature of neurodegenerative pathophysiological disorders. Although many studies on CUR effects on SE has been undertaken, to our best knowledge no study has been conducted on studying the effect of CIN on SE. The present study explores the neuroprotective effects of natural food products CUR and CIN on Li-Pc induced SE in rats. SE was induced in experimental rats using lithium – pilocarpine model. Besides control groups, the animals were also grouped as treatment groups which received CIN and CUR pre-treatment before induction of SE. Besides severity of the seizures, cognitive dysfunctions, oxidative stress parameters were also estimated in the forebrain tissue of all group of animals. Treatment with CIN and CUR significantly ameliorated the frequency and severity of epileptic seizures in a dose-dependent manner. The cognitive dysfunctions as well as the oxidative stress indices (enzymatic as well as non-enzymatic) were ameliorated significantly and dosedependently by CIN and CUR pre-treatment in the order CUR&lt;CIN in all parameters. Possible therapeutic application of CIN and CUR as antiepileptic and as antioxidant for the treatment of SE has a great potential and warrants further studies

The ameliorative effects of cinnamon oil against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats by regulating oxidative stress and promoting angiogenesis.

Cinnamonis one of the herbal resources belonging to the Lauraceae family, is commonly used in traditional medicine and as a flavoring agent. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, the present study was performed to evaluate the gastroprotective effect of cinnamon on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in comparison to omeprazole. In Wistar rats, gastric ulcers were induced using one oral dose of 70% ethanol (5ml/kg b. w.) Cinnamon oil at doses of 2.5ml/kg body weight and omeprazole (a reference drug) at a dose of 20mg/kg body weight were orally administrated daily for 7days before ulcer induction. 1 h after ethanol administration blood samples were collected and then the stomachs of sacrificed rats were subjected to biochemical, macroscopic and histological, and immunohistochemical studies. Oral administration ofcinnamon oil significantly attenuated gastric ulcer as revealed by a significant increase in the gastric levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants namely CAT, SOD, GSH-Px, and GSH with a concomitant reduction in MDA level compared with those in the ethanol group. Pre-treatment ofcinnamon oil markedly improved the level of TNF-α and PGE content. Furthermore,cinnamon oilpre-treatment significantly increased the immunoreactivity of VEGF while decreasing the immunoreactivity of COX-II. These results were further supported by histopathological findings which revealed the curing effect ofcinnamon oilon the microscopic changes induced by ethanol toxicity. Cinnamon oil showed a potential gastroprotective effect on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer comparable to the gastroprotective effect of omeprazole, and its effect may be mediated through suppression of oxidative stress and gastric inflammation and promotion of angiogenesis.

Efficacy of Combined Administration of Cinnamon and Curcumin on Acute Orofacial Inflammatory Pain Enhanced by Xerostomia

Objectives: Orofacial pain can be caused by xerostomia, dental procedures, infections, and functional disorders in various areas, and it can greatly deteriorate patients’ quality of life. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of natural products in minimizing the side effects of synthetic drugs. Methods: In an experimental model of 4-DAMP-induced xerostomia, formalin was injected to induce inflammatory pain in the orofacial region, and the effects of oral administration of curcumin and cinnamon on pain behavioral response were observed. Results: In the experimental group with xerostomia, the pain response was prominent, which was suppressed in a concentration-dependent manner upon curcumin and cinnamon administration. Conclusions: Curcumin and cinnamon may be useful natural products for relieving the inflammatory orofacial pain caused by xerostomia.

Physical quality and imago population of corn infected with Sitophilus zeamais with the addition of cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmannii)

This study aimed to determine the ability of cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmannii) on corn infected by Sitophilus zeamais. The study was carried out by infecting corn with Sitophilus zeamais on each test and then adding cinnamon with different levels on each test then stored for 30 days. This study consist of 5 treatments and 4 replications i.e., P0: corn without Sitophilus zeamais (positive control), P1: corn infected by Sitophilus zeamais (negative control), P2 (corn infected by Sitophilus zeamais + 2% cinnamon flour), P3 (corn infected by Sitophilus zeamais + 4% cinnamon flour) and P4 (corn infected by Sitophilus zeamais + 6% cinnamon flour). The highest value of imago population was obtained at P1 (137.75) and the lowest was at P2 (84.00), the highest number of damaged seeds was P1 (8.61) and the lowest was P4 (5.08) and at seed weight loss value the highest is P1 (1.54%) and the lowest is P4 (0.15%). It concluded that the administration of cinnamon at the level of 2% in corn infected with Sitophilus zeamais with storage for 30 days affects the growth of the imago population and loss of seed weight in corn during storage.

Administration of Cinnamon and Lagersroemia speciosa Extract on Lipid Profile of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Women with High Body Mass Index.

Background:Hyperinsulinemia, a common feature in PCOS, have been found to contribute to metabolic disturbance, such as dyslipidaemia and diabetes mellitus type 2. Oral anti-diabetic medications have been prescribed to alleviate this effect. We sought to fnd whether DLBS3233, an insulin sensitizer, could alleviate dyslipidaemia in women with PCOS with high BMI.Aim:This study aimed to investigate the effect of DLBS3233, an herbal combination of C burmanii and L spesiosa extract, on lipid profle, insulin resistance, and free testosterone of women with PCOS with high BMI.Study Setting and Design:This was a controlled trial conducted in Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, and Dr Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia.Materials and Methods:A controlled trial was conducted on 62 volunteers diagnosed with PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria and exhibited insulin resistance as signifed by HOMA-IR > 2.0; baseline lipid profile (LDL, HDL, Triglyceride and Total cholesterol) and free testosterone concentration were obtained. Participants were given 100 mg of DLBS3233 in the morning, and volunteers were followed up monthly, with laboratory tests conducted at the third and sixth months. Data were analysed through intention-to-treat analysis, separating high BMI (≥25 kg/m2) subjects.Statistical Analysis:Repeated-measures model.Results:DLBS3233 improved lipid profle and insulin sensitivity by reducing triglycerides, HOMA-IR, and free testosterone in subjects with high BMI. Limitations and Implications: The current study does not compare the effect of DLBS3233 with a control group. A larger study with a proper control group would have to be conducted to have more conclusive results.Conclusion:This study showed that DLBS3233 holds promise as a novel therapy to improve lipid profle for women with PCOS.

Protective Effect of Cinnamon and Ginger on Acrylamide Induced Hepatotoxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats

Background:Background: Acrylamide [ACR] is an essential chemical that is extensively used in many industries and also in laboratories such as treatment of drinking water, wastewater, and soil, production of paper, petroleum, mine, asphalt, dyes, adhesives, and polishes; it is known as a possible carcinogenic compound. Ginger oleoresin's hepatoprotective role can be attributed to its free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic activities and is partially mediated by the 6-gingerol, shogaol, and zingerone of its active component. Cinnamomum zeylanicum is used to treat many diseases and to prevent such diseases. Aim of the work:Evaluation of the effects of cinnamon and ginger extracts administration on Hepatotoxicity adult male albino rats. Materials and Methods: The groups were divided into five adult male albino rats of a local strain: Group I: acted as a control group with regular salines, group II: hepatotoxicity caused by acrylamid, groups III: hepatotoxicity plus cinnamon, group IV: hepatotoxicity plus ginger, group V: hepatotoxicity plus cinnamon and ginger. Samples for alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate transfers of amino [AST], urea, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total cholesterol, triglyceride [TG], malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor α [TNF], superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GPX], as well as total antioxidant [TAC] levels were obtained at the end of the experimental period. Results: Administration of cinnamon and ginger to hepatotoxic rats led to a significant decrease in the mean value of ALT, AST, urea, creatinine, BUN, MDA, and TNF. In addition, it is associated with a significant increase of SOD, GPX, and TAC. Conclusion: Cinnamon and ginger have a protective effect against abnormalities in hepatotoxic rats due to its several protective properties.

Evaluation of changes in cytochrome P450 2C19 activity in type 2 diabetic rats before and after treatment, by using isolated perfused liver model.

Objective(s):Alteration in drug metabolism is very likely in diabetes mellitus. This study assessed changes in CYP2C19 enzymatic activity in the liver using omeprazole as a probe in the animal model of type II diabetes (T2DM) before and after treatment with metformin and cinnamon.Materials and Methods:Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups. Fourteen days after induction of type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM), rats in the test group received metformin, cinnamon, and metformin plus cinnamon daily for 14 days. On day 28, rats were subjected to liver perfusion by Krebs-Henseleit buffer containing omeprazole as a CYP2C19 probe. Perfusate samples were analyzed by HPLC-UV to evaluate the activity of CYP2C19.Results:Mean metabolic ratio of omeprazole was changed from 0.091±0.005 in the control group to 0.054±0.005 in the untreated-diabetic rats. This average was increased inordinately to 0.218±0.036 in the treated rats with metformin. Interestingly, the administration of cinnamon in combination with metformin in diabetic rats caused the enzyme activity to return to (0.085±0.002) approximately the observed levels in the control group (0.091±0.005).Conclusion:Results showed that despite the suppression of the CYP2C19 enzyme activity in T2DM rats, metformin treatment could increase the enzyme activity. Simultaneous application of cinnamon and metformin can modulate the function of CYP2C19 to the observed level in the control group and make it more predictable to treat diabetes mellitus and fate of drugs that are metabolized by this enzyme.

Protective effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum L. (Darchini) in acetaminophen-induced oxidative stress, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in mouse model

Cinnamomum zeylanicum, a widely used spice and flavor, is used in the treatment and prevention of many diseases. In the current study, Balb/c mice were pretreated with cinnamon bark aqueous extract (200 mg/kg/day i.g.) 14 days prior to intragastrically administer single toxic dose of acetaminophen (200 mg/kg). Blood samples were collected for analysis of biochemical and oxidative stress parameters and liver and kidney samples were collected for histopathological analysis. The results indicate that cinnamon aqueous extract exhibit a highly significant preventive potential by ameliorating APAP-induced elevated levels of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, urea and macroscopic and histological alterations in liver and kidney. Moreover, significant increase in total oxidant status and decrease in total antioxidant capacity accompanied by APAP exposure, were restored by cinnamon pretreatment. We found that prior administration of cinnamon prevented the toxic changes induced by acetaminophen as confirmed by histopathological examination, more possibly owing to its antioxidant potential. In conclusion, the pretreatment with cinnamon provide potential therapeutic applications in acute liver and kidney injury induced by APAP in experimental animal model and it could have therapeutic potential in oxidative stress associated diseases.

Antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant influences of the spice cinnamon ( Cinnamomum zeylanicumon ) in experimental rats

ABSTRACT The present study investigates the effect of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicumon) powder supplementation on glucose levels, lipid profiles, and oxidative stress parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in adult male Wistar rats via a single subcutaneous alloxan injection (15 mg/kg). Cinnamon powder was mixed with the standard feed of the rats in an amount of 5% for 28 consecutive days. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were assayed at the end of the experimental period in all investigated groups. Anti-oxidative enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were sought in the serum and pancreas. Alloxan caused the fasting blood sugar level to increase. The administration of cinnamon blocked the increase of blood glucose. There was also a significant difference in the TG and TC levels between control and treated diabetic rats. In diabetic rats, cinnamon treatment restored the activities of SOD, CAT and GPx. These findings suggested that cinnamon has an anti-hyperglycemic effect, improves lipid profiles, and protect against damage induced by oxidative stress in the diabetic state.

Protective Effect of Cinnamon Zeylanicum, Berberis Vulgaris and Ulva Lactuca Extracts on Hepatocellular Toxicity Induced by Aspergillus Flavus Intake in Rats

Background: Aflatoxin B1 produced by the fungus Asperagillus flavus causes great economic losses and poses health hazards to human and animals through its toxic biological effects on liver, kidney and lungs. The aim of this work was to study the potential protective effect of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Berberis vulgaris and Ulva lactuca extractson hepatocyte toxicity induced by A. flavus intakein rats. We also investigated the effect of A. flavus and the studied extracts on liver and kidney structure and function and the potential modulation of p53 and ICAM-1 gene expression as well as the liver antioxidant status. Our results showed a damaging effect of A. flavus intake on both liver and kidney as reflected by liver histopathological examination and the impaired liver and kidney functions measured by ALT, AST, Albumin, Urea, creatinine and glucose. Cinnamon and Berberis and Ulva pre-treatment kept these parameters to almost its normal levels compared to the induced unprotected animals. All tested extracts reduced the oxidative stress status and increased the antioxidant status by lowering TBARS and increasing NO levels significantly but had no significant effect on SOD activity. A.flavus intake causeda significant decline in both P53 and ICAM-1 gene expression; however, administration of Cinnamon or Berberis caused a significant increase in expression with Cinnamon causing the highest increase in p53 and Berberiscausing the highest increase in ICAM-1. In conclusion, we recommended the use of cinnamon Zeylanicum or Berberis vulgaris as protective natural antioxidants against hepatocellular aflatoxin induced toxicity.

Changes in CYP2D enzyme activity following induction of type 2 diabetes, and administration of cinnamon and metformin: an experimental animal study

1. Alterations in the activity of hepatic cytochrome P-450 isoenzymes result in changes in the pharmacokinetic behavior of drugs. This study was designed to explore the impact of type II diabetes, metformin and cinnamon on the activity of CYP2D isoenzyme.2. Streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic and normal rats were gavaged by cinnamon and/or metformin for 14 days. Using isolated perfusion of rat livers, the metabolic activity of CYP2D in the study groups was evaluated based on the oxidative biotransformation of tramadol hydrochloride.3. The metabolic ratios of O-desmethyltramadol, the product of CYP2D-mediated metabolism of tramadol, in normal and diabetic control rats were found to be 0.33 ± 0.12 and 0.29 ± 0.07, respectively. Cinnamon significantly reduced the mentioned ratio in both normal and diabetic rats (0.13 ± 0.05 and 0.15 ± 0.04) and metformin increased the reduced activity in diabetic rats (0.37 ± 0.09 versus 0.29 ± 0.07).4. In conclusion, it is evident that this study has shown the significant inhibitory effect of cinnamon on CYP2D. This finding suggests that it should be taken into consideration the possible metabolism-related pharmacokinetic drug–cinnamon interactions.5. Additionally, type 2 diabetes condition reduced the enzyme activity and metformin consumption reversed this reduction; however, the significance of the latest is not clear.

The effects of cinnamon supplementation on blood lipid concentrations: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cinnamon is a rich botanical source of polyphenols, whose positive effects on blood lipid concentrations have been hypothesized, but have not been conclusively studied. The objective of the study was to systematically review and evaluate the effect of administration of cinnamon on blood lipid concentrations. We assessed 13 randomized controlled trials with 750 participants investigating the effect of cinnamon supplementation on blood lipid concentrations. A meta-analysis was performed using random effect models, with weighted mean differences (WMDs; with 95% confidence interval [CI]) for endpoints calculated using a random effects model. No statistically significant effect of cinnamon was observed on blood low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; WMD: -0.16mmol/L [-6.19mg/dL], 95% CI: -0.35, 0.03 [-13.53, 1.16], P=.10) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; WMD: 0.05mmol/L [1.92mg/dL], 95% CI: -0.03, 0.12 [-0.03, 4.64], P=.21) concentrations. However, a statistically significant reduction in blood triglycerides (WMD: -0.27mmol/L [-23.91mg/dL], 95% CI: -0.39, -0.14 [-34.54, -12.40], P<.01) and total cholesterol concentrations (WMD: -0.36mmol/L [-13.92mg/dL], 95% CI: -0.63, -0.09 [-24.36, -3.48], P<.01) was observed. HDL-C was significantly elevated after the omission of 1 study (WMD: 0.04mmol/L [1.54mg/dL], 95% CI: 0.03, 0.06 [1.16, 2.32], P<.01) during our sensitivity analysis. A meta-regression analysis was conducted, and no significant association was found between changes in lipid parameters and cinnamon dose. In contrast, changes in blood levels of total cholesterol (slope: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.16; P<.01), LDL-C (slope: 0.05; 95% CI: 0.001, 0.10; P=.05) and triglycerides (slope: 0.06; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.09; P<.01) were significantly and positively associated with the duration of supplementation. No statistically significant association was found between blood HDL-C changes and duration of supplementation. Cinnamon supplementation significantly reduced blood triglycerides and total cholesterol concentrations without any significant effect on LDL-C and HDL-C.

Phytochemical Evaluation, Anti-obesity and Antihyperlipidemic Effects of Combined Administration of Green Coffee, Cinnamon and Ginger

This study aims to evaluate anti-obesity and antihyperlipidemic effects of individual and combined administration of ginger, cinnamon and green coffee on the hyperlipidimic rats. It is the first report dealing with the effects of the combined administration of these three plants as anti-obesity and antihyperlipidemic agents. Sprague-Dawley rats were used, where they divided into 6 groups (7 rats each). Group 1 was kept as a normal control, while the other groups fed on high-fat diet to induce obesity and hyperlipidemia for 4 weeks. Group 2 positive control that was kept obese, while other groups were orally given individual and combined powders of ginger, cinnamon and green coffee in doses 200mg/kg, respectively, for 6 weeks, At the end of the experiment, body weight of rats were recorded. Blood samples were collected for analyses. The results showed that each of individual and combined administration of these plants significantly (P<0.05) decreased the body weight and serum lipids including total lipid, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein when compared with positive control group, while they significantly (P<0.05) increased high density lipoprotein when compared with positive control group. Furthermore, our study showed that the combination of these three plants exhibited better effects than when compared to the individual powder of the plants. In this study we compared the effects of separated and combined administration of cinnamon bark, ginger root, green coffee beans as anti-obesity and antihyperlipidemic agents. The separated and combined administration exhibited significant anti-obesity and antihyperlipidemic effects in obese and hyperlipidemic rats, while the combined administration showed more powerful effects. Previous reports on cinnamon, ginger and green coffee as separately administered were thus confirmed; however, this is, to our knowledge, the first report dealing with the combined form of the three plants. Such combined administration might be useful in developing natural food additives to help address obesity and hyperlipidemia.

Paracetamol induced hepatic toxicity and amelioration by cinnamon in rats

The study was designed to evaluate the hepato-protective activity of aqueous extract of cinnamon in acute experimental liver injury induced by paracetamol. Twenty four male albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (six rats in each). Group I rats received distilled water for 15 days and served as a vehicle control. The animals in the group II were given single oral administration of paracetamol (1 g/kg), 1 h after last distilled water administration and acts as paracetamol toxic control group. Groups III and IV received aqueous extract of cinnamon (200 and 400 mg/kg bwt), respectively, once daily for 15 consecutive days followed by a single oral administration of paracetamol (1 g/kg), 1 h after the last cinnamon dose administration. The degree of hepatoprotection was measured using liver enzymes (Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), bilirubin, albumin, and lipid profile levels. Also, histopathological examinations of liver were done. The significantly disturbed liver functions by paracetamol toxicity were restored to nearly normal values by administration of cinnamon. Also, the change in biochemical parameters in groups received paracetamol alone was modified towards the normal values in groups given paracetamol and cinnamon. Histopathological effect of paracetamol on liver was also markedly decreased by co-administration of cinnamon. Our findings concluded that cinnamon aqueous extracts possessed hepato-protective activity against paracetamol induced hepatic toxicity in rats.

Sodium Benzoate, a Metabolite of Cinnamon and a Food Additive, Upregulates Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor in Astrocytes and Oligodendrocytes.

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is a promyelinating trophic factor that plays an important role in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, mechanisms by which CNTF expression could be increased in the brain are poorly understood. Recently we have discovered anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities of sodium benzoate (NaB), a metabolite of cinnamon and a widely-used food additive. Here, we delineate that NaB is also capable of increasing the mRNA and protein expression of CNTF in primary mouse astrocytes and oligodendrocytes and primary human astrocytes. Accordingly, oral administration of NaB and cinnamon led to the upregulation of astroglial and oligodendroglial CNTF in vivo in mouse brain. Induction of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, an animal model of MS, reduced the level of CNTF in the brain, which was restored by oral administration of cinnamon. While investigating underlying mechanisms, we observed that NaB induced the activation of protein kinase A (PKA) and H-89, an inhibitor of PKA, abrogated NaB-induced expression of CNTF. The activation of cAMP response element binding (CREB) protein by NaB, the recruitment of CREB and CREB-binding protein to the CNTF promoter by NaB and the abrogation of NaB-induced expression of CNTF in astrocytes by siRNA knockdown of CREB suggest that NaB increases the expression of CNTF via the activation of CREB. These results highlight a novel myelinogenic property of NaB and cinnamon, which may be of benefit for MS and other demyelinating disorders.

Cinnamon Ameliorates Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis in Mice via Regulatory T Cells: Implications for Multiple Sclerosis Therapy

Upregulation and/or maintenance of regulatory T cells (Tregs) during an autoimmune insult may have therapeutic efficacy in autoimmune diseases. Although several immunomodulatory drugs and molecules are available, most present significant side effects over long-term use. Cinnamon is a commonly used natural spice and flavoring material used for centuries throughout the world. Here, we have explored a novel use of cinnamon powder in protecting Tregs and treating the disease process of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS. Oral feeding of cinnamon (Cinnamonum verum) powder suppresses clinical symptoms of relapsing-remitting EAE in female PLP-TCR transgenic mice and adoptive transfer mouse model. Cinnamon also inhibited clinical symptoms of chronic EAE in male C57/BL6 mice. Dose-dependent study shows that cinnamon powder at a dose of 50 mg/kg body wt/d or higher significantly suppresses clinical symptoms of EAE in mice. Accordingly, oral administration of cinnamon also inhibited perivascular cuffing, maintained the integrity of blood-brain barrier and blood-spinal cord barrier, suppressed inflammation, normalized the expression of myelin genes, and blocked demyelination in the central nervous system of EAE mice. Interestingly, cinnamon treatment upregulated Tregs via reduction of nitric oxide production. Furthermore, we demonstrate that blocking of Tregs by neutralizing antibodies against CD25 abrogates cinnamon-mediated protection of EAE. Taken together, our results suggest that oral administration of cinnamon powder may be beneficial in MS patients and that no other existing anti-MS therapies could be so economical and trouble-free as this approach.